After more than tree decades, Vanessa Williams received a public apology from the Miss America organization at the Miss America 2016 pageant this past Sunday.
In 1983, became the first black woman to win the crown but resigned following a nude photo scandal. Williams, now an actress and singer, went on to enjoy a decades-long career in TV, film, and music. After 33 years, the Miss America CEO Sam Haskell apologized to Williams on stage Sunday for the way the scandal was handled.
“I have been a close friend to this beautiful and talented lady for 32 years,” CEO Sam Haskell told Williams. “You have lived your life in grace and dignity, and never was it more evident than during the events of 1984 when you resigned.
“Though none of us currently in the organization were involved then, on behalf of today’s organization, I want to apologize to you and to your mother, Miss Helen Williams,” Haskell added. “I want to apologize for anything that was said or done that made you feel any less than the Miss America you are and the Miss America you always will be.”
